Top 10 ASMR Microphones

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a term used for an experience characterized by a static-like or tingling sensation on the skin that typically begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine. It has been compared with auditory-tactile synesthesia. ASMR signifies the subjective experience of “low-grade euphoria” characterized by “a combination of positive feelings and a distinct static-like tingling sensation on the skin”. It is most commonly triggered by specific acoustic or visual stimuli, and less commonly by intentional attention control.

People now use ASMR in a plethora of ways with dozens of videos and recordings being uploaded to YouTube and social media daily. The artists usually put the viewer at ease by role playing, unboxing or just simply speaking. If you’re interested in making ASMR content yourself, these are the top 10 microphones for ASMR.

The Handy microphone is great for many reasons. It has four different channel options so you get the best sound depending on what you want. You have a lot of control and it can be used as a recorder, a microphone or an interface. It’s a great investment and is a great choice to add to your arsenal of tech.

These in-ear monitors are great for capturing binaural audio and ASMR. They work especially great with the Handy Zoom H2N mentioned above. Just plug them into the input and output, set the Handy to XY, and you’re all good to record in complete binaural. The Rolands are great because the microphones are on the backs on the monitors, so you can record while you listen. It’s a really great feature and when paired with the Handy Zoom, there isn’t anything you can’t do.

The Hooke Verse records amazing 360 audio and video with any device, so once you set up, you’re good to go. You can connect it to your iPhone, Android, or DSLR and record beautiful ASMR videos. It’s perfect if you especially want to get into doing videos and not just audio, because binaural audio is the perfect way to capture and induce ASMR. It’s wireless as well, so your hands are free if you want to get into doing some massaging or getting some relaxing sounds.

The Rode NT1 includes two microphones that you can use as a studio matched pair to record separate channels for ASMR. They are cardioid microphones so they focus solely on the sound source with little pickup from the sides, so using two only enhances your surround sound and source.

This is that microphone you see in a lot of ASMR videos where they use lotion and massaging (like the one linked below). The 3Dio is a microphone designed specifically for binaural recording with the highly sensitive capsules. While the microphone mimics a head, it’s designed like this to account for the space between one’s ears. That, the capsules and proper polar patterns, is how we achieve binaural audio.

This omnidirectional microphone is great for recording things with a lot of pickup. Some people find nature extremely relaxing, and this microphone is perfect for placing down and getting all of those sounds around it. Or maybe a babbling brook, or a gentle rain fall outside your window. Just place this sucker down and let it get everything it possibly can. 8. Audio Technica AT2050 – $229

This microphone is high quality and versatile. It has three polar patterns so you can decide which one is best for your scenario, and is great for live sessions and in the studio. Because it’s a condenser microphone, it picks up mainly from the sound source with little interaction on the sides, but as it has three polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8), it’s versatility can’t be beat.

This condenser microphone is affordable and can be used for almost anything. It’ll pick up directly from the sound source and is a great addition to your arsenal of tech. It can also be used with other microphones as well, and will only enhance your recording and listening experience.10. Behringer C-1 – $49.99

Not only is this a great microphone for live and studio applications, but it can be used for just about anything as well. It’s great for capturing vocals if you want to relax your viewers and tell stories, and maybe even some nice guitar.

ASMR is a new tool that is getting used in tons of applications. It’s a great way to relax and give your viewer some gentle euphoria. And it all depends on the viewer too. ASMR is filled with niches and very specific likes. Some people like talking, others like massaging, and some like artificial sounds (like when you open jars and things like that). While a lot of ASMR is done in audio and videos now, it’s exciting to think of the possibilities it can have in other aspects of life beyond.